A SHORT history of the ancient parish of Whitchurch through the second millennium has just been published by Tavistock and District Local History Society.
After some pre-history of the area, the book goes on to feudal days of the Anglo-Saxon and Norman manor recorded in the Doomsday Book, and the emergence of the parish which grew to 40 square miles from Merrivale in the North-East to Double Waters in the South West. The development of common land, farming, granite-working, quarrying and mining are described.
There is much of interest about St Andrew?s Church and its central role in the story of the parish. Originally dedicated to St White, the church gave its name to the village and parish. Several Methodist chapels are also recorded. The manors and other big houses are included, as well as some of their more notable residents.
How the parish was run is examined, based on the church?s Vestry until the creation of the civil parish in 1894. There is an account of the controversial transfer of Whitchurch village and an area of land to Tavistock Urban District in 1935, until when the parish had reached to the edge of Tavistock. The building of Plymouth Road and the coming of the railway are recorded in some detail. There is a good deal about education, charities, associations, clubs, pubs, shops and celebrations which were part of the social life of the community.
Published by the Local History Society as part of their programme of a book of local interest each year, it was written by Ken Cook, when chairman of the parish council, with additional material from members of the society.
The 80 page book is illustrated with 40 photographs and a centrefold map.
?Whitchurch Parish?, priced £5, is available from Tavistock Information Centre and Whitchurch PO and store or by telephoning 01822 616463.
RICHARD WEVILL